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Neem Oil (Azadirachta
Indica Seed Oil)
The Neem or
Margosa tree originates from India and Sri Lanka and belongs to the
Mahogany tree family, Meliaceae. It is a tall evergreen and
can grow to a height of up to 30m and often lives for more than 200
years. The tree is also known as the Indian Lilac as the small
scented flowers resemble the European Lilac.
The root
network of the tree is relatively large, which gives it the ability
to grow in poor and dry soil.
The tree has
been widely cultivated and is know found on many continents where
the climate is suitable; Africa, Australia, Americas. The seeds,
which are similar to Olives yield up to 40% oil upon pressing.
The expressed
oil has been thoroughly researched and has been shown to have
anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and insect-repellent properties, which
have been attributed to the Azadirachtin content; a complex Limonoid
compound.
The cold
pressed oil, which has the highest quality, has a characteristic
harsh acrid odour and is green/brown in colour with a melting point
of 20°C
(below which it is a solid fat)
Average
fatty acid content:
Saturated fats
Myristic acit
2.6%
Palmitic acid
13.6% – 14.9%
Stearic acid
14.4% - 19.1%
Unsaturated fats
Oleic acid
49.1% – 61.9%
Linoleic acid
7.5% - 15.8%
Linolenic acid
0,5%
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